Library Buildings around the World

LEED-NC Gold
The new 81st Avenue Library is a civic and community beacon for this underserved east Oakland neighborhood. The largest branch
in the City’s library system, it also serves as a new academic library for two elementary schools located on the same site. A large
dedicated teen area, quiet reading room, and preschool area are zoned to provide multi-generational use with acoustic control. The
distinctive architectural form and vibrant interiors reflect the library’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The building
incorporates many innovative energy saving techniques and achieved LEED Gold certification. Group 4 prepared a successful
application to the California State Library for a multi-million dollar construction grant.
This project grew out of the Group 4 prepared system-wide master facilities plan that also included a feasibility study for a new
160,000 sf main library.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2008. The grand opening of the new library was held on January 29, 2011. Click
here for KCBS' report on the opening. (Group 4)
Scotts Valley Library, Scotts Valley, CA – USA 2011
Awards:
IES National Award of Merit
Group 4 transformed an existing roller skating rink into a dynamic, light-filled library for Scotts Valley. On a limited budget and
quick schedule, Group 4 worked with staff and the opportunities inherent in the existing building to create a design with minimal
columns and an open, flowing floor plan.
Working within the existing shell, Group 4 organized the library around a new suspended polycarbonate lantern that brings in
daylight and creates programmatic divisions while maintaining the generous interior volume. The teen platform re-creates booths
from the original roller rink, and supports gaming and collaborative learning. The salvaged disco ball will be available for special
night time programs.
Retail tenant space is also being developed adjacent to the library as part of this mixed-use redevelopment project. The library's
grand re-opening was held in June 2011. (Group4)
Walnut Creek Library, Walnut Creek, CA – USA 2010
The new Walnut Creek Library is the culmination of the community’s vision and years of planning. The design is not only an
efficient solution to the building program, but also a synthesis of the disparate desires of the community and user groups into one
cohesive whole. Although the new library will more than quadruple the size of the former building in Civic Park, re-siting of the new
building will result in a net gain in green space in the park as well as a stronger connection with Walnut Creek’s civic center and
downtown commercial districts. The new library incorporates a wide variety of green design strategies, including daylight
harvesting, an advanced mechanical system, and recycled materials. The placement of 80% of parking spaces under the building and
plaza areas reduces the heat island effect of paving and preserves space in Civic Park.
The grand opening of the new library was July 17, 2010. (Group 4)
South San Francisco Main Library Interior Renovation, South San Francisco, CA – USA 2010
Group 4 worked with South San Francisco Library staff to create a new library within the shell of the existing 1966 main library
building. Group 4’s design supports an updated operational model and more efficient work flow for staff, as well as improved
customer access to materials and services.
Group 4 designed an arching library “marketplace” that connects the building's two existing public entrances and displays new
books, high circulation material, holds, and displays and exhibits. To maximize the limited budget, much of the existing furniture
was refinished and combined with selected new furniture. Carpeting and wall finishes completed the transformation which has been
hailed as “a diamond for a dime.”
The renovated library re-opened to the public in April 2010. (Group 4)
Ingleside Branch Library, San Francisco, CA – USA 2009
Awards:
Citation - American Institute of Architects San Mateo County
Special Citation - American School & University Magazine
Kirby Ward Fitzpatrick Prize - Architectural Foundation of San Francisco
The Ingleside Branch Library is a new community jewel along Ocean Avenue in San Francisco. Designed by Group 4 in association
with Fougeron Architecture, the 6,100 square foot branch features a main reading room, a children’s reading room, a community
room, staff support space, and an outdoor garden — all on a small corner site in the heart of an urban commercial center and
surrounding residential neighborhood.
San Francisco Chronicle architecture critic John King praised the new library: “...with its egg-shaped children’s room, mahoganyframed
study nooks and a roof that hovers eight feet above the entrance, the Ingleside Library sends an ambitious message that
public buildings can strive to be civic landmarks, sources of neighborhood pride as well as books and DVDs.” (Group 4)
Milpitas Public Library, Milpitas , CA - USA 2009
Award:
Merit Award - AIA East Bay Chapter
Group 4’s expansion to a 1916 grammar school building serves not only as the new Milpitas Public Library, but also as the
centerpiece of the city’s new North Main Street redevelopment district. New north and south wings frame and embrace the historic
structure, complementing its strong classical design with bold, dynamic elements that celebrate the integration of the past and the
future. A largely transparent building, the new library admits abundant light through well-oriented clerestories. A new tensile
canopy transforms the school’s central courtyard into a bright public reading room. The south tower features art that celebrates
Milpitas history. The new library opened to the public in January 2009. (Group4)
San Leandro Washington Manor Branch Library, San Leandro, CA - USA 2009
Awards:
Honor Award - AIA San Mateo County Chapter California State Library grant-funded
The new San Leandro Washington Manor Branch Library is a study of light and space. Windows along the street both define and
blur the edge of the building, admitting reader-friendly light while preventing glare and heat gain. Bold and elegant details connect
wood, steel, and concrete in a robust and dynamic, yet surprisingly delicate structural system. At night the library becomes a
glowing beacon, inviting the community in for events, conversation, or even just a comfortable chair and a good book. Intuitive
wayfinding and express-checkout stations enable customers to get in and out of the library quickly, while attractive displays and
comfortable seating areas tempt them to linger. The program room doubles as overflow computer lab and study space. The
circulation desk and the staff work room have excellent visibility of public areas as well as a streamlined flow of materials from the
drops to the shelves. (Group 4)
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